Between Gaps and Voids: An Archaeometrical Study of Degraded Fibers in a Sherd From the Cueva dos Chinches Muertas, Siltzul (Raxruha, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala)

ABSTRACT

In 2019, excavations at the Cueva dos Chinches Muertas carried out by the Raxruha Viejo Project uncovered a small ceramic sherd distinguished by a stratified structure composed of multiple layers of textile imprints, both superficial and transversal. The fragment most likely formed part of a larger object produced with the textile/clay laminates technique, first identified by Harriet Beaubien at Aguateca and Las Pacayas. Detailed analysis of the sherd revealed an unprecedented combination of textile fiber preservation modes—a major challenge in the study of ancient Maya textiles. This finding has enabled the establishment of a first archaeological reference system for cotton‐specific forms, thereby enhancing our ability to recognize and interpret other textile fragments or impressions in the Maya archaeological record that were previously difficult to identify.